Security Council deeply concerned by security situation in CAR

The members of the Security Council expressed deep concern at the security situation in CAR, characterized by a total breakdown in law and order, and the absence of the rule of law.

In a press statement following briefings by top UN officials, the members of the Council stressed that the armed conflict and crisis in CAR pose a serious threat to the stability of the CAR and the region. They also expressed their grave concern about the significant deterioration of the humanitarian situation as well as violations of international humanitarian law and reports of widespread human rights violations, notably by Séléka elements, including those involving arbitrary arrests and detention, sexual violence against women and children, torture, rape, extrajudicial killings, recruitment and use of children and attacks against civilians. They strongly condemned targeted attacks against UN staff.

The members of the Security Council stressed that the CAR authorities bear the primary responsibility to protect civilians. They demanded that all parties refrain from any act of violence against civilians, allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access throughout the country, and respect fully international humanitarian and human rights law. They emphasized that those responsible for violations and abuses of international human rights law and violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable at the national or international level.